“Seven Stars 25”, SEEBRIG brings together more than 200 personnel from 9 countries.
The multinational exercise “Seven Stars 25” (SEST25), held from 2 to 11 April 2025 in Veles, North Macedonia, marked a significant milestone in the South-Eastern Europe Brigade’s (SEEBRIG) training calendar. This biennial event serves as SEEBRIG’s HQ primary training activity, and for this iteration was designed with the aim to test and improve SEEBRIG’s overall operational capability and to enhance military interoperability between its HQ and the assigned units/sub-units, and partner organisations during Peace Support Operations.
An extensive and inclusive planning process included a number of planning activities such as conferences, in person and via VTC as well as workshops, seminars and training events that preceded the execution phase of the exercise. The focus from the start was to ensure that the exercise will provide the venue to meet its objectives: evaluate SEEBRIG’s HQ effectiveness and increase its ability to conduct Peace Support Operations (PSO); exercise and evaluate staff planning and coordination; improve Command, Control and Communications (C3) processes between SEEBRIG HQ and Affiliated Units/Sub-units; exercise the Military Decision-Making Process in a multinational environment; test SEEBRIG Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); develop military interoperability between SEEBRIG HQ and the other military entities; test the HQ capabilities for conducting CIMIC operations; implement the lessons identified/learned from previous exercises; and last but not least increase visibility of SEEBRIG.
The exercise commenced with an opening ceremony at Camp Alekso Demnievski Bauman in Veles. Brigadier General Bilbil Bitri, Commander of SEEBRIG, addressed the participants, emphasising the importance of the exercise in the current security environment. He encouraged participants to view the exercise as a valuable learning opportunity, urging them to be proactive, share best practices, and identify lessons that will contribute to better mission planning.
The execution phase of SEST25 involved a series of complex, real-time scenarios designed to test the participants’ strategic responses. Continuous injects challenged decision-making processes, providing a dynamic environment for honing critical skills. This phase was pivotal in enhancing coordination and preparedness, ensuring all participants were equipped to handle complex situations under pressure.
The success of SEST25 was also attributed to the diligent work of SEEBRIG’s planning officers. Their active participation in the exercise’s planning and execution phases ensured effective coordination and execution of operations. Their leadership and commitment to excellence were vital in enhancing the exercise’s overall effectiveness and in strengthening regional partnerships.
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), Serving as the backbone of military operations, demonstrated exceptional leadership, making critical decisions and guiding their teams through complex scenarios. Their expertise and commitment were instrumental in the exercise’s success, underscoring the indispensable role of NCOs in multinational operations.
SEST25 also showcased the significant contributions of female service members. From liaison officers to specialists, women played crucial roles in ensuring the seamless coordination and execution of operations. Their involvement highlighted the growing importance of gender equality in defence forces and reinforced the essential role of women in modern military operations.
In line with its commitment to community engagement, SEEBRIG conducted a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) project during SEST25. A generous donation was made to the “Maca Ovcarova” school for children with disabilities in the Veles municipality. This initiative highlighted the importance of fostering inclusiveness and ensuring that all children have access to the resources they need, underscoring SEEBRIG’s dedication to humanitarian efforts alongside military training.
The culmination of SEST25 was marked by the Distinguished Visitors Day (DV Day), held at the Krivolak Military Training Area. The event featured a dynamic live exercise (LIVEX), showcasing the operational effectiveness and deep interoperability among SEEBRIG member nations. The LIVEX demonstrated synchronised manuvers and real-time response scenarios, emphasising key elements of modern peace support operations.
The exercise concluded with a closing ceremony at Camp Alekso Demnievski Bauman in Veles. Brigadier General Bilbil Bitri commended the professionalism, interoperability, and teamwork displayed throughout SEST25. The ceremony celebrated the unity and unwavering dedication of all participants, reinforcing the core values of cooperation, regional stability, and shared defence readiness. The event concluded with the awarding of exercise personnel and a group photo, capturing the moment of collective achievement.
Beyond the tactical exercises, participants had the opportunity to engage in cultural activities, fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding. A memorable trip to the Matka Canyon allowed personnel to connect in a relaxed setting, strengthening the bonds among multinational teams and creating lasting memories.
“Seven Stars 25” once again reinforced SEEBRIG’s commitment to regional security and stability. Through enhanced interoperability, community engagement, and cultural exchange, the exercise has set a new standard for multinational cooperation in peace support operations.